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Abstract:

A communication system aimed at easily and quickly collecting data
regarding macroscopic population distribution, and easily and quickly
obtaining survey results. An RNC of a communication system includes a
signal-counting module that counts the number of signals indicating a
quantity of signals transmitted and received between a mobile station and
a BTS. An information analysis device includes a population distribution
calculation module that calculates population distribution based on the
number of the signals that the signal-counting module counts, and an
output module that outputs the population distribution that the
population distribution calculation module calculates.

Claims:

1-7. (canceled)

8. A communication system configured to comprise a base transceiver
station that controls a sector constituting a location registration area
that is a unit area for registering a location, a mobile station that is
within a communication range in the sector, a radio network controller
that controls the base transceiver station, an information analysis
device that is communicably connected with the radio network controller,
and an exchange comprising a location registration signal processing
module that counts the number of the registrations that is the number of
the mobile stations registered in the location registration area, wherein
the radio network controller comprises a signal-counting module that
counts the number of signals indicating a quantity of signals transmitted
and received between the mobile station and the base transceiver station,
the information analysis device comprises: a population distribution
calculation module that calculates population distribution based on the
number of the signals that the signal-counting module counts, and an
output module that outputs the population distribution that the
population distribution calculation module calculates, wherein the
population distribution calculation module comprises: an operation module
that calculates the population distribution in each sector based on both
the number of signals in each sector that constructs location
registration area, counted by the signal-counting controller, and the
number of registrations counted by the location registration signal
processing module in the location registration area.

9. The communication system according to claim 8, wherein the population
distribution calculation module comprises, a weight calculation module
that calculates a weight that is a ratio of the total number of signals
being the sum of the number of the signals in each sector that constructs
location registration area, counted by the signal-counting controller to
the number of the registrations in the location registration area that
the location registration signal processing module counts, and an
operation module that calculates population distribution for each sector
based on the weight that the weight calculation module calculates and the
number of signals for each sector.

10. The communication system according to claim 8, wherein the
signal-counting module counts the number of the signals based on at least
one of audio reception and packet reception to the mobile station that is
within a communication range in the sector.

11. The communication system according to claim 9, wherein the exchange
further comprises a storage module that stores therein the number of the
registrations and a registration counting time that is a time when the
number of the registrations is counted in association with each other,
the population distribution calculation module further comprises a target
time registration count calculation module that, based on the number of
registrations counted just before a target time that is a time intended
for calculating the population distribution and the number of
registrations counted just after the target time, calculates the number
of a target time registration that is the number of mobile stations
registered in the location registration area at the target time, the
weight calculation module uses the number of the target time registration
that the target time registration count calculation module calculates as
the number of the registrations.

12. The communication system according to claim 8, wherein the population
distribution calculation module further comprises a cumulative signal
count calculation module that sets a time frame having a time period that
is the same as a counting interval for the number of the registrations
with the target time set as a center time, and calculates the cumulative
number of signals that is a cumulative total of the number of signals
counted by the signal-counting module in the time frame thus set, the
weight calculation module uses the total number of signals obtained by
summing up the cumulative number of signals for every sector that belongs
to the location registration area.

13. An information analysis device communicably connected with a mobile
station that is within a communication range in a sector that constitutes
a location registration area being a unit area for registering a location
and is controlled by a base transceiver station via the base transceiver
station, the information analysis device comprising and connected with an
exchange comprising a location registration signal processing module that
counts the number of the registrations that is the number of the mobile
stations registered in the location registration area: a population
distribution calculation module that calculates population distribution
based on the number of signals indicating a quantity of signals
transmitted and received between the mobile station and the base
transceiver station, an output module that outputs the population
distribution that the population distribution calculation module
calculates, and the population distribution calculation module
comprising, an operation module that calculates the population
distribution in each sector based on both the number of signals in each
sector that constructs location registration area, counted by a
signal-counting controller, and the number of registrations counted by
the location registration signal processing module in the location
registration area.

14. The information analysis device according to claim 13, wherein the
population distribution calculation module comprises, a weight
calculation module that calculates a weight that is a ratio of the total
number of signals being the sum of the number of the signals in each
sector that constructs location registration area, counted by the
signal-counting controller, to the number of the registrations in the
location registration area that the location registration signal
processing module counts, and an operation module that calculates
population distribution for each sector based on the weight that the
weight calculation module calculates and the number of signals for each
sector.

15. An information analysis method that is executed in a communication
system configured to comprise a base transceiver station that controls a
sector constituting a location registration area being a unit area for
registering a location, a mobile station that is within a communication
range in the sector, a radio network controller that controls the base
transceiver station, an information analysis device that is communicably
connected with the radio network controller, and an exchange comprising a
location registration signal processing module that counts the number of
the registrations that is the number of the mobile stations registered in
the location registration area, the information analysis method
comprising: a signal-counting step of, by the radio network controller,
counting the number of signals indicating a quantity of signals
transmitted and received between the mobile station and the base
transceiver station, a population distribution calculating step of, by
the information analysis device, calculating population distribution
based on the number of the signals counted at the signal-counting step,
and an outputting step of, by the information analysis device, outputting
the population distribution calculated at the population distribution
calculating step, wherein the population distribution calculation step
comprises, an operation step of calculating the population distribution
in each sector based on both the number of signals in each sector that
constructs location registration area, counted by the signal-counting
step and the number of registrations counted by the location registration
signal processing step in the location registration area.

16. The information analysis device according to claim 15, wherein the
population distribution calculation step comprises, a weight calculation
step of calculating a weight that is a ratio of the total number of
signals being the sum of the number of the signals in each sector that
constructs location registration area, counted by the signal-counting
step, to the number of the registrations in the location registration
area that the location registration signal processing step counts,
wherein, an operation step calculates population distribution for each
sector based on the weight that the weight calculation step calculates
and the number of signals for each sector.

Description:

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an information analyzing apparatus
and an information analyzing method for performing an approximation of
population distribution and a communication system that is configured to
include the information analyzing apparatus.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Conventionally, as a method of collecting data regarding
macroscopic population distribution, there is a census that is conducted
on a 5-year cycle. This survey requires a series of very laborious
activities such as distributing questionnaires to those surveyed,
collecting them, and tallying them with many workers, whereby it takes
time to obtain the survey results. On those surveyed who respond, this
survey also imposes burdens such as filling out and sending the
questionnaires.

[0004] As described above, conventionally, even only collecting data
regarding macroscopic population distribution is very troublesome, and
thus it is difficult to collect the data easily and quickly and obtain
the survey results.

[0005] On the other hand, as an attempt to obtain population distribution
by using portable terminals, in Patent Literature 1 for example,
obtaining the distribution of population by using portable terminals with
a GPS function is mentioned. However, even with this technique, a
processing load and time for distributing to all users to be surveyed GPS
built-in devices to which identifiers allowing all the users to be
uniquely identifiable are added, collecting information of a position
located by a GPS from one by one, and the like is necessary to obtain
population distribution. Accordingly, a technique of easily and quickly
collecting data regarding population distribution and investigating them
has been expected.

[0006] The present invention, considering the above-mentioned problem, is
aimed at easily and quickly collecting data regarding macroscopic
population distribution, and easily and quickly obtaining the survey
results.

Solution to Problem

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned problem, a communication system
according to one aspect of the present invention is configured to include
a base transceiver station that controls a sector constituting a location
registration area that is a unit area for registering a location, a
mobile station that is within communication range in the sector, a radio
network controller that controls the base transceiver station, and an
information analysis device that is communicably connected with the radio
network controller. The radio network controller includes a
signal-counting module that counts the number of signals indicating a
quantity of signals transmitted and received between the mobile station
and the base transceiver station. The information analysis device
includes a population distribution calculation module that calculates
population distribution based on the number of the signals that the
signal-counting module counts, and an output module that outputs the
population distribution that the population distribution calculation
module calculates.

[0008] With the communication system thus configured, by easily and
quickly collecting the number of signals such as the number of
transmissions and receptions of mobile station and outputting population
distribution based on this information, it is possible to easily and
quickly obtain survey results regarding macroscopic population
distribution.

[0009] In addition, the signal-counting module may count the number of the
signals based on at least one of audio reception and packet reception to
the mobile station that is within a communication range in the sector.

[0010] By being based on the number of receptions that do not directly
relate to human behavior, it is possible to eliminate bias in the number
of signals due to a tendency of human behavior that can occur when based
on the number of transmissions (for example, transmissions are often
performed from an office) and thus obtain population distribution that
more properly reflects actual population distribution.

[0011] In addition, the above-mentioned communication system may be
configured to further include an exchange that includes a location
registration signal processing module that counts the number of
registrations that is the number of mobile stations registered in the
location registration area. The population distribution calculation
module may include a weight calculation module that calculates a weight
that is a ratio of the total number of signals being the sum of the
number of the signals of the mobile station that is within communication
range in the location registration area to the number of the
registrations in the location registration area that the location
registration signal processing module counts, and an operation module
that calculates population distribution for each sector based on the
weight that the weight calculation module calculates and the number of
signals for each sector.

[0012] The above-mentioned exchange grasps the actual number of the mobile
stations that are within communication range in the location registration
area. In addition, the signal-counting module counts the number of
signals for each sector that is narrower than the location registration
area. Accordingly, it is possible to calculate population distribution by
sector smaller than by location registration area from this information.

[0013] In addition, the above-mentioned exchange may further include a
storage module that stores therein the number of the registrations and a
registration counting time that is a time when the number of the
registrations is counted in association with each other. The population
distribution calculation module may further include a target time
registration count calculation module that, based on the number of
registrations counted just before a target time that is a time intended
for calculating the population distribution and the number of
registrations counted just after the target time, calculates the number
of a target time that is the number of mobile stations registered in the
location registration area at the target time. The weight calculation
module may use the number of the target time registration that the target
time registration count calculation module calculates as the number of
the registrations.

[0014] With the communication system thus configured, even when the
location registration signal processing module counts the number of
registrations at given counting intervals (for example, one-hour
intervals) and the target time is set to a time other than counting
times, for example, it is possible to calculate the number of the target
time registration based on the numbers of registrations counted before
and after the target time.

[0015] In addition, the above-mentioned population distribution
calculation module may further include a cumulative signal count
calculation module that sets a time frame having a time period that is
the same as a counting interval for the number of the registrations with
the target time set as a center time, and calculates the cumulative
number of signals that is a cumulative total of the number of signals
counted by the signal-counting module in the time frame thus set. The
weight calculation module may use the total number of signals obtained by
summing up the cumulative number of signals for every sector that belongs
to the location registration area.

[0016] By summing up the number of signals counted for a given time
period, it is possible to moderate fluctuations in the number of signals
due to short-term and accidental factors. In addition, because the time
period for summing up the number of signals is the same as a time
interval for the number of registrations to be counted, it is possible to
absorb statistical errors, and also because the given time period for
summing up the number of signals is not longer than necessary, there is
no possibility to waste resources to use for processes. Accordingly, it
is possible to achieve harmony with counting accuracy in the number of
signals and processing costs.

[0017] To solve the above-mentioned problem, an information analysis
device according to another aspect of the present invention is
communicably connected with mobile station that is within a communication
range in a sector that constitute a location registration area being a
unit area for registering a location and is controlled by a base
transceiver station via the base transceiver station. The information
analysis device includes a population distribution calculation module
that calculates population distribution based on the number of signals
indicating a quantity of signals transmitted and received between the
mobile station and the base transceiver station, and an output module
that outputs the population distribution that the population distribution
calculation module calculates.

[0018] With the information analysis device thus configured, by easily and
quickly collecting the number of signals such as the number of
transmissions and receptions of mobile stations and outputting population
distribution based on this information, it is possible to easily and
quickly obtain survey results regarding macroscopic population
distribution.

[0019] To solve the above-mentioned problem, an information analysis
method according to another aspect of the present invention is executed
in a communication system configured to include a base transceiver
station that controls a sector constituting a location registration area
being a unit area for registering a location, a mobile station that is
within communication range in the sector, a radio network controller that
controls the base transceiver station, and an information analysis device
that is communicably connected with the radio network controller. The
information analysis method includes a signal-counting step of, by the
radio network controller, counting the number of signals indicating a
quantity of signals transmitted and received between the mobile station
and the base transceiver station, a population distribution calculating
step of, by the information analysis device, calculating population
distribution based on the number of the signals counted at the
signal-counting step, and an outputting step of, by the information
analysis device, outputting the population distribution calculated at the
population distribution calculating step.

[0020] With this method, by easily and quickly collecting the number of
signals such as the number of transmissions and receptions of mobile
stations and outputting population distribution based on this
information, it is possible to easily and quickly obtain survey results
regarding macroscopic population distribution.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0021] According to the present invention, it is possible to easily and
quickly (in quasi-real-time) collect data regarding macroscopic
population distribution and to easily and quickly obtain survey results.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0022] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a system structure of a
communication system according to first and second embodiments of the
present invention.

[0023]FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional structure of the
communication system according to the first embodiment.

[0024]FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a BTS and
sectors depicted in FIG. 2.

[0025]FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating shapes of sectors and sector
identifiers used in an example for explanation.

[0026]FIG. 5 is a chart illustrating the number of signals by sectors
used in the example for explanation.

[0027]FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a process in a weight
calculation module depicted in FIG. 2.

[0028]FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a process in an operation module
depicted in FIG. 2.

[0029]FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a flow of process in the
communication system depicted in FIG. 2.

[0030]FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a flow of process for
calculating a population distribution based on the number of signals
depicted in FIG. 8.

[0031]FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a functional structure of the
communication system according to the second embodiment of the present
invention.

[0032] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a functional structure of a
population distribution calculation module depicted in FIG. 10.

[0033] FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a function of a target time
registration count calculation module depicted in FIG. 11.

[0034]FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the function of the target time
registration count calculation module depicted in FIG. 11.

[0035]FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a function of a cumulative
signal count calculation module depicted in FIG. 11.

[0036] FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the function of the cumulative
signal count calculation module depicted in FIG. 11.

[0037] FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the function of the cumulative
signal count calculation module depicted in FIG. 11.

[0038] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a flow of processes in the
communication system depicted in FIG. 10.

[0039] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a flow of calculating processes
for population distribution based on the number of signals depicted in
FIG. 17.

[0040] FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a system structure of a
communication system according to a third embodiment of the present
invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0041] With reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present
invention will be described. When appropriate, like reference signs are
given to like parts, and redundant explanations are omitted.

First Embodiment

[Structure of Communication System]

[0042] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a system structure of a
communication system 10 according to a first embodiment of the present
invention. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the communication system 10 is
configured to include mobile stations 100, base transceiver stations
(BTSs) 200, radio network controllers (RNCs) 300, exchanges 400, and a
management center 500. The management center 500 is configured with
social sensor units 501, peta-mining units 502, mobile demography units
503, and visualization solution units 504.

[0043] The RNCs 300 receive RRC connection request signals that the mobile
stations 100 transmit via the BTSs 200. At this time, the RNCs 300 can
count the number of signals to which audio reception, audio transmission,
packet reception, and packet transmission are set as parameters for the
RRC connection request signals. It should be noted that in the standard
specification "Radio Resource Control (RRC) Protocol Specification: 3GPP
TS 25.331", signal-counting in sector unit performed by the RNCs 300 is
specified, and thus the present method conforms to this.

[0044] The exchanges 400 collect, via the BTSs 200 and the RNCs 300,
location registration signals that mobile stations 100 transmit. While
the RNCs 300 count location registration signals by sectors, the
exchanges 400 manage the mobile stations 100 by location registration
areas, and grasp and store therein the number of mobile stations 100 (the
number of registrations) registered in location registration areas by
collecting location registration signals that the mobile stations
transmit. The exchanges 400 output the stored number of the mobile
stations 100 registered in the location registration areas to the
management center 500 at a given timing or in response to a request from
the management center 500. Each of the RNC 300 herein, in general,
consists of approximately one thousand pieces of them and they are
positioned all over Japan. On the other hand, as for the exchanges 400,
approximately 300 pieces of them are positioned all over Japan.

[0045] The management center 500, as described above, is configured to
include the social sensor units 501, the peta-mining units 502, the
mobile demography units 503, and the visualization solution units 504
and, in each unit, performs statistical processing using location
registration signals and information regarding transmission and reception
that mobile stations 100 transmit.

[0046] Each of the social sensor units 501 is server equipment that
collects data stored in the exchanges 400 that is including the number of
mobile stations 100 registered in location registration areas from each
exchange 400. The social sensor unit 501 is configured to receive data
that is output periodically from the exchanges 400, and to obtain the
data from the exchanges 400 based on a timing that is predetermined in
the social sensor unit 501.

[0047] Each of the peta-mining units 502 is server equipment that converts
data received from the social sensor unit 501 into a given data format.
For example, the peta-mining unit 502 performs a sorting process, using
user IDs as keys, or by areas.

[0048] Each of the mobile demography units 503 is server equipment that
performs a tallying process for data processed in the peta-mining unit
502, in other words, a counting process for each item. For example, the
mobile demography unit 503 can count the number of users who are within
communication range in some area, or tally distribution of users within
communication range or the like.

[0049] Each of the visualization solution units 504 is server equipment
that processes data tally-processed in the mobile demography unit 503 so
as to make it visible. For example, the visualization solution unit 504
can perform a mapping of the tallied data onto a map. This data processed
in the visualization solution units 504 is provided to companies, public
offices, individuals, or the like, and is used for store development,
road traffic research, disaster measures, environmental measures, and the
like. However, information thus statistically processed is processed so
as not to violate privacy so that individuals or the like are not
identified.

[0050] All of the social sensor unit 501, the peta-mining unit 502, the
mobile demography unit 503, and the visualizing solution unit 504 are
configured with server equipment as described above, and their depictions
are omitted, but it goes without saying that they include basic
components of a conventional information processing apparatus (i.e., a
CPU, a RAM, a ROM, input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse, a
communication device that communicates with the outside, a storage device
that stores therein information, and output devices such as a display and
a printer).

[0051]FIG. 2 illustrates a functional structure of the communication
system 10. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the communication system 10 is
configured to include a plurality of BTSs 200, a plurality of mobile
stations 100 existing within communication range in sectors that each of
a plurality of BTSs 200 controls, the RNC 300 that controls the BTSs 200,
the exchange 400, and an information analyzing apparatus 600. The
information analyzing apparatus 600 corresponds to the mobile demography
unit 503 and the visualization solution unit 504 depicted in the
above-described FIG. 1. With respect to functions corresponding to the
social sensor unit 501 and the peta-mining unit 502 in FIG. 1, their
depictions regarding the functions are omitted in FIG. 2.

[0052] The RNC 300 is configured to include an RNC communication
controller 302, a location registration signal receiver 303, and a
signal-counting module 304. The exchange 400 is configured to include an
exchange communication controller 401, a converter 402, a storage module
403, and a location registration signal processing module 404.

[0053] The information analyzing apparatus 600 is configured to include an
information analyzing apparatus communication controller 601, a retention
module 602, a population distribution calculation module 603, and an
output module 604.

[0054] The RNC 300 will be described first. The RNC communication
controller 302 is a component that performs communication connection with
the mobile stations 100 via the BTSs 200 and, for example, performs
communication connection processing based on a transmission process from
the mobile stations 100 and communication connection processing based on
location registration requests. In the present embodiment, the RNC
communication controller 302 can transmit an Initial UE Message used for
communication connection processing to the exchange 400. It should be
noted that this Initial UE Message includes the number of signals for
transmission and reception. In addition, the Initial UE Message can be
added instruction information (a location registration signal) indicating
transmission or a location registration request, an ID that uniquely
specifies the mobile station 100, and the location information. The ID
herein, for example, may be ID information as a temporary ID that is
delivered by the exchange 400 when the mobile station 100 connects with a
network.

[0055]FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a BTS 200
and sectors. The BTS 200 lies in the center of an area depicted by a
circle, and pieces into which the area is equally divided by the BTS 200
as a center are sectors. For example, in FIG. 3, a communication area of
the BTS 200 consists of at most six sectors and, to each of the sectors,
a sector identifier that can uniquely identify a sector is allocated. The
RNC 300 can grasp in which sector a mobile station 100 exists by using
the sector identifier via the BTS 200.

[0056] The RNC 300, further, based on delays of signals obtained when
performing a process of RRC connection request, can also calculate in
which location in a sector a mobile station 100 exists, and a
geographical area ID (GAI) of the calculated location. It is also
possible to identify the location of the mobile station 100 based on a
sector ID and a location in a sector.

[0058] The signal count calculation module 304 is a component that counts
the number of signals (the number of signals) that is information
indicating a quantity of signals that a mobile station 100 being within
communication range in a sector transmits and receives by sectors, and
transmits the number of signals thus counted to the management center 500
via the RNC communication controller 302.

[0059] As a quantity of signals herein, it is possible to use the number
of audio receptions, the number of packet receptions, the number of audio
transmissions, the number of packet transmissions, and the like that are
identified by a method using the above-mentioned parameters for the RRC
connection request signals. However, it is not intended to be limited to
this.

[0060] It is appropriate to measure the quantity of signals by a method of
adding up at least one of the number of audio receptions and the number
of packet receptions. When using audio transmission or packet
transmission, it can be considered that the number of these transmissions
relates to behavior of a human who is a user. In other words, when a user
transmits, it is considered that the user does so often from a place such
as an office, a house, or a station.

[0061] On the other hand, when limiting to reception, the number of
receptions do not directly relate to behavior of a human who is a user of
a mobile station 100 on the receiving side. Accordingly, by measuring the
quantity of signals by a method of adding up the number of audio
receptions and the number of packet receptions, it is possible to obtain
population distribution that more properly reflects actual population
distribution.

[0062] However, it goes without saying that, even if counting the number
of signals based on the number of transmissions, this number is
sufficiently tolerable for practical use.

[0063] The exchange 400 will be described hereinafter. The exchange
communication controller 401 is a component that receives an Initial UE
Message transmitted from the RNC 300 and performs communication
connection processing using this Initial UE Message, and also a component
that controls transmission of information such as the number of
registrations and the number of signals that the storage module 403
stores therein to the information analysis device 600.

[0064] The converter 402 is a component that converts an ID such as a
temporary ID included in the Initial UE Message received by the exchange
communication controller 401 into a telephone number. The converter 402,
in a converting process, extracts a telephone number related to an ID
such as a temporary ID from a subscriber profile information storage
module (not depicted) storing therein subscriber profile information, and
converts it into the telephone number thus extracted. This subscriber
profile information storage module is provided to a home location
register (HLR) not depicted, for example, and manages and stores therein
IDs such as temporary IDs and telephone numbers in association with each
other.

[0065] The location registration signal processing module 404 is a
component that receives location registration signals from mobile
stations 100 via BTSs 200 and counts the actual number of registrations
that is the number of mobile stations 100 registered in a location
registration area based on the location registration signals thus
received.

[0066] As described above, in the present embodiment, a mobile station 100
transmits a location registration signal when the mobile station 100
moves across location registration areas. For this reason, the location
registration signal processing module 404 is capable of grasping the
actual number of mobile stations 100 that exist in the location
registration area. In the standard specification "Mobile Application Part
(MAP) specification: 3GPP TS 29.002", a method by which an exchange 400
manages location registration is described. A process in the exchange 400
of the present embodiment conforms to this method.

[0067] The storage module 403 is a component that inputs and stores
therein the number of registrations that the location registration
processing module 404 counts and the number of signals received from the
RNC 300 via the exchange communication controller 401. The storage module
403 can store therein telephone numbers converted by the converter 402,
location information of mobile stations 100 included in an Initial UE
Message, and the time when the location information is located in
association with one another. The number of registrations stored in the
storage module 403, in accordance with a transmission process performed
by the exchange communication controller 401, is collected by the
management center 500 at a given timing described later or in response to
a request from the management center 500.

[0068] The exchange communication controller 401 transmits information
such as the number of registration that the storage module 403 stores
therein to the information analyzing apparatus 600.

[0069] The retention module 602 is a component that input the number of
registrations that the location registration signal processing module 404
of the exchange 400 counts and the number of signals that the
signal-counting module 304 of the RNC 300 counts via the information
analysis device communication controller 601, and retain these numbers
therein.

[0070] The population distribution calculation module 603 is a component
that inputs the number of signals from the retention module 602 and
calculates population distribution for each sector based on the number of
signals thus input.

[0071] More specifically, the population distribution calculation module
603 is configured to include a weight calculation module 6031 and an
operation module 6032.

[0072] The weight calculation module 6031 is a component that calculates a
weight that is a ratio of the total number of signals being the sum of
number of signals for mobile stations 100 that are within communication
range in the same location registration area to the number of
registrations in the location registration area that the location
registration signal processing module 404 counts.

[0073] With reference to FIGS. 4 to 6, a method by which the weight
calculation module 6031 calculates the weight will be described
specifically.

[0074]FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating shapes of sectors used for
explaining the invention and sector identifiers that make the sectors
uniquely identifiable.

[0075] In FIG. 4, one area depicted by a triangle indicates one sector.
Numbers written in the centers of the triangles in FIG. 4 indicate sector
identifiers. Sectors whose sector identifiers are 1 to 6 belong to the
same location registration area. Sectors whose sector identifiers are 7
to 12 belong to the same (different from the location registration area
to which the sectors whose sector identifiers 1 to 6 belong) location
registration area.

[0076]FIG. 5 illustrates an example of the number of signals in the
sectors depicted in FIG. 4. The "sector identifier" in FIG. 5 corresponds
to each of the sector identifiers depicted in FIG. 4. The "location
registration area identifier" in FIG. 5 is an identifier that makes a
location registration area that a sector indicated by a "sector
identifier" associated with each other (hereinafter, simply referred to
as a "sector") forms uniquely identifiable. The "number of signals" in
FIG. 5 is counted by adding up at least one of the number of audio
receptions, the number of packet receptions, the number of audio
transmissions, and the number of packet transmissions for mobile stations
100 being within communication range in the sectors for a unit time. It
should be noted that it is appropriate for the number of signals to be
counted by adding up the number of audio receptions or the number of
packet receptions, as described above.

[0077] The weight calculation module 6031 inputs the number of signals
associated with the sector identifiers depicted in FIG. 5 via the
information analysis device communication controller 601 and the location
registration area identifiers indicating the location registration areas
to which the sectors belong from an association storage module not
depicted, and then obtains a total number of signals that is the sum of
the number of signals in sectors belonging to the same location
registration areas. More specifically, the weight calculation module 6031
adds up the "the number of signals" associated with the sector
identifiers whose location registration area identifiers depicted in FIG.
5 are the same.

[0078] In the example depicted in FIG. 5, adding up the number of signals
in sectors whose location registration area identifier is "1" (sectors
whose sector identifiers are "1" to "6") equals 70. Similarly, adding up
the number of signals in sectors whose location registration area
identifier is "2" (sectors whose sector identifiers are "7" to "12")
equals 52.

[0079]FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a relationship between the total
number of signals and the weight thus obtained. The "location
registration area identifier" in FIG. 6 corresponds to the "location
registration area identifier" in FIG. 5. The "total number of signals" in
FIG. 6 is the total number of signals for each location registration area
that the weight calculation module 6031 calculated by the above-mentioned
method. The "number of registrations" in FIG. 6 is the number of
registrations for each location registration area that the exchange 400
grasped based on location registration signals. As described above, the
numbers of the registrations are the actual numbers of mobile stations
100 that actually exist in the location registration areas.

[0080] The weight calculation module 6031 calculates a "weight" by
dividing the "number of registrations" by the "total number of signals".
This is the "weight" in FIG. 6.

[0081] Referring back to FIG. 2, the operation module 6032 is a component
that calculates population distribution for each sector based on the
weight that the weight calculation module 6031 calculates and the number
of signals for each sector that the retention module 602 retains therein.

[0082] More specifically, the operation module 6032 multiplies the number
of signals in all the sectors by the "weight" for the corresponding
location registration area.

[0083] Accordingly, with respect to sectors constituting the same location
registration area, without changing the ratio between the number of
signals, it is possible to obtain population distribution that more
properly reflects actual population distribution.

[0084]FIG. 7 illustrates an example of calculation of population
distribution performed by the operation module 6032. Numerical values
written in parentheses in FIG. 7(a) indicate number of signals by
sectors, and numerical values written in parentheses in FIG. 7(b)
indicate population distribution. Numbers indicated in the centers of
triangles in FIG. 7 indicate sector identifiers. The operation module
6032, with respect to the sectors constituting the location registration
area whose location registration area identifier is 1 (the sectors whose
sector identifiers are 1 to 6), calculates population distribution by
multiplying the number of signals for each sector by the weight
"0.714286". In addition, the operation module 6032, with respect to the
sectors constituting the location registration area whose location
registration area identifier is 2 (the sectors whose sector identifiers
are 7 to 12), calculates population distribution by multiplying the
number of signals for each sector by the weight "1.346154".

[0085] The output module 604 is a component that outputs the population
distribution that the population distribution calculation module 603
calculates.

[0086] It goes without saying that the term "output" herein widely
includes display output and print output. In other words, population
fluidity information may be display output on a display or the like, may
be print output from a printer or the like, or may be output both in
display and in print.

[0087] Alternatively, when using the "output" for other systems, for
example, it is acceptable to output files as numerical information.

[0088] As for the output method, specifically, it is acceptable to express
population distribution with colors by painting respective sectors with
colors corresponding to the population distribution. It is also
acceptable to write down numerals.

[0089] [Flow of Process Performed in Communication System 10]

[0090] A flow of processes of the communication system 10 thus structured
will be described hereinafter referring to FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0091] When a transmission request or a location registration request is
output from a mobile station 100 and is received by the RNC communication
controller 302 of the RNC 300, by the RNC communication controller 302,
an RRC Connection setup is transmitted to the mobile station 100 in
response to the requests. Subsequently, an RRC Connection setup Complete
signal is transmitted from the mobile station 100 to the RNC
communication controller 302 (step S101).

[0092] The signal-counting module 304 of the RNC 300 counts the number of
signals by adding up, out of RRC Connection Request signals, those to
which audio reception, packet reception, audio transmission, or packet
transmission is set as parameters (step S102: signal-counting step).

[0093] The location registration signal receiver 303, via the RNC
communication controller 302, adds a location registration signal to an
Initial UE Message and send them to the exchange 400 (step S103). The RNC
communication controller 302 transmits the number of signals counted to
the exchange 400 (step S104).

[0094] The location registration signal processing module 404 of the
exchange 400, based on the location registration signal that the mobile
station 100 transmitted, counts the number of registrations that is the
number of mobile stations 100 registered in the location registration
area (step S105).

[0095] The storage module 403 of the exchange 400 stores therein the
number of registrations and the number of signals that the location
registration signal processing module 404 counts. The number of
registrations and the number of signals thus stored are transmitted to
the management center 500 via the exchange communication controller 401
at constant intervals or in response to a request from the management
center 500 (step S106).

[0096] The population distribution calculation module 603 of the
information analysis device 600 calculates population distribution based
on the number of signals that the RNC 300 counts (step S107: population
distribution calculating step).

[0098] Referring now to FIG. 9, a calculation method of population
distribution based on the number of signals will be described. Processes
indicated in FIG. 9 correspond to step S107 in FIG. 8.

[0099] The weight calculation module 6031 calculates a weight that is a
ratio of the total number of signals being the sum of number of signals
of mobile stations 100 that are within communication range in the same
location registration area to the number of registrations in the location
registration area that the location registration signal processing module
404 counts (step S201).

[0100] The operation module 6032 calculates population distribution by
multiplying the number of signals for all sectors by the weight of the
corresponding location registration areas (step S202).

[0101] [Function and Effect]

[0102] A function and an effect of the communication system 10 of the
present embodiment will be described hereinafter.

[0103] The population distribution calculation module 603 of the
communication system 10 of the present embodiment, based on the number of
signals of mobile stations 100 that are within communication range in
each sector and the number of registrations of mobile stations 100 that
is within communication range in each location registration area,
calculates population distribution. Accordingly, by quickly collecting
information and outputting population distribution based on the
information, it is possible to easily and quickly obtain data survey
results regarding macroscopic population distribution.

[0104] In addition, the signal-counting module 304, based on at least one
of audio reception and packet reception to the mobile stations 100 that
are within communication range in each sector, counts the number of
signals. By being based on the number of receptions that do not directly
relate to human behavior, it is possible to eliminate bias in number of
signals due to a tendency of human behavior that can occur when based on
the number of transmissions (for example, transmissions are often
performed from an office) and thus obtain population distribution that
more properly reflects actual population distribution.

[0105] In addition, the communication system 10 of the present embodiment
is configured to further include the exchange 400 that includes the
location registration signal processing module 404 that counts the number
of registrations being the number of mobile stations 100 registered in a
local registration area. The population distribution calculation module
603 includes the weight calculation module 6031 that calculates a weight
that is a ratio of the total number of signals being the sum of the
number of signals for the mobile stations 100 that are within
communication range in the location registration area to the number of
registrations in the location registration area that the location
registration signal processing module 404 counts, and the operation
module 6032 that calculates population distribution for each sector based
on the weight that the weight calculation module 6031 calculates and the
number of signals for each sector. The exchange 400 of the present
embodiment grasps the actual number of the mobile stations 100 that are
within communication range in the location registration area. In
addition, the signal-counting module 304 counts the number of signals for
each sector that is smaller than the location registration area.
Accordingly, it is possible to calculate population distribution by
sectors smaller than by location registration areas from the information.

Second Embodiment

[0106] With reference to FIGS. 10 to 17, a second embodiment of the
present embodiment will be described hereinafter. However, parts that are
the same as those of the above-mentioned first embodiment will not be
described here, and parts that are different from those of the first
embodiment will be mainly described herein.

[0107]FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a functional structure of a
communication system 10b according to the present embodiment. As
illustrated in FIG. 10, the communication system 10b of the present
embodiment is configured to include mobile stations 100, BTSs 200, an
exchange 400, and an information analysis device 600.

[0108] Out of these, functions that the mobile stations 100, the BTSs 200,
and the RNC 300 have are the same as those of the above-mentioned first
embodiment, and thus their explanation are omitted here.

[0109] The exchange 400 of the present embodiment is configured to include
an exchange communication controller 401b, a converter 402, a storage
module 403b, and a location registration signal processing module 404.
Out of these, functions that the converter 402 and the location
registration signal processing module 404 have are the same as those of
the above-mentioned first embodiment, and thus their explanations are
omitted here.

[0110] The storage module 403b in the exchange 400 is a component that
inputs and stores therein, in addition to the number of registrations
that the location registration signal processing module 404 counts and
the number of signals that is received from the RNC 300 via the exchange
communication controller 401b, a registration counting time that is a
time when the location registration signal processing module 404 counted
the number of registrations. The storage module 403b stores therein the
registration counting time in association with the corresponding number
of registrations.

[0111] The exchange communication controller 401b is a component that
transmits to the information analysis device 600 the registration
counting time in addition to the number of registrations and the number
of signals that the storage module 403b stores therein.

[0112] The information analysis device 600 of the present embodiment will
be described hereinafter. The information analysis device 600 is
configured to include an information analysis device communication
controller 601, a retention module 602, a population distribution
calculation module 603b, an output module 604, and a target time input
module 605.

[0113] Out of these, functions that the information analysis device
communication controller 601, the retention module 602, and output module
604 have are the same as those of the above-mentioned first embodiment,
and thus their explanations are omitted here.

[0114] The population distribution calculation module 603b is a component
that inputs the number of signals that the signal-counting module 304 of
the RNC 300 counts from the retention module 602, and calculates
population distribution for each sector based on the number of signals
thus input. Functions that the population distribution calculation module
603b has will be described in detail later.

[0115] The target time input module 605 is a component that accepts input
of a target time that is a time intended at which the population
distribution calculation module 603b calculates population distribution.
The target time input module 605 is physically structured with input
devices such as a keyboard and a touch panel not depicted. The target
time may be manually input by a user of the communication system 10b via
these physical devices. Alternatively, it is acceptable to receive it
from another system not depicted.

[0116] With reference to FIGS. 11 to 16, functions that the population
distribution calculation module 603b has will be described in detail
hereinafter. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the population distribution
calculation module 603b, specifically, is configured to include a weight
calculation module 6031b, an operation module 6032b, a target time
registration counts calculation module 6033, and a cumulative count
calculation module 6034.

[0117] The target time registration count calculation module 6033, based
on the number of preceding registration that is the number of
registrations counted just before a target time being the time intended
for calculating population distribution, the number of following
registration that is the number of registrations counted just after the
target time, and a time ratio of a time interval between a time when the
number of preceding registration is counted and a time when the number of
following registration is counted to a time period from the time when the
preceding registration is counted to the target time, calculates the
number of a target time registration that is the number of mobile
stations 100 registered in a location registration area at the target
time, and outputs the number of the target time thus calculated to the
weight calculation module 6031b.

[0118] More specifically, the target time registration count calculation
module 6033 inputs the target time from the target time input module 605.
In addition, the target time registration calculation module 6033 inputs
the number of registrations from the retention module 602.

[0119] In the present embodiment, the location registration signal
processing module 404 of the exchange 400 counts the number of
registrations at one-hour intervals. An example of the number of
registrations that the location registration signal processing module 404
counted in a registration area whose location registration area
identifier is "1" is now illustrated in FIG. 12.

[0120] Provided that the target time input is 17:30, in the example of
FIG. 12, the target time registration count calculation module 6033,
based on 100 that is the number of registration counted at 17:00 (the
number of preceding registration), 150 that is the number of
registrations counted at 18:00 (the number of following registration),
and 2 to 1 that is a ratio of one hour being the time interval between
17:00 (the time when the number of preceding registration was counted)
and 18:00 (the time when the number of following registration was
counted) to 30 minutes that is the time period from 17:00 (the time when
the number of preceding registration was counted) to 17:30 (the target
time), calculates the number of the target time registration. In other
words, in this example, the target time registration count calculation
module 6033 adds 25 that is calculated by dividing 50 obtained by
subtracting 100 being the preceding registration number from 150 being
the number of following registration by 2 to 100 being the number of
preceding registration. The target time registration count calculation
module 6033 calculates 125 obtained in this manner as the number of the
target time registration at 17:30.

[0121] This is conceptually a calculation method on the assumption that
the number of registrations linearly changes between the time when the
location registration signal processing module 404 counted the number of
preceding registration and the time when it counted the number of
following registration as illustrated in FIG. 13. The time indicated by a
dotted line in FIG. 13 indicates 17:30 that is the target time for this
time.

[0122] However, it is not necessary to limit the calculation method for
the number of the target time registration to this. It goes without
saying that conceivable various calculation methods are applicable.

[0123] Referring back to FIG. 11, the cumulative signal count calculation
module 6034 is a component that sets a time frame having a time period
that is the same as a counting interval for the number of the
registrations with the target time set as a center time, and calculates
the cumulative number of signals by summing up the number of signals
counted by the signal-counting module 304 in the time frame thus set.

[0124] For example, if the counting interval for the number of
registrations is one hour as exemplified in FIG. 12, the length of the
time frame is one hour. When the target time is 17:30, the time frame is
17:00 to 18:00 for one hour with 17:30 set as the center time.
Consequently, the cumulative signal count calculation module 6034 sums up
the number of signals that the signal-counting module 304 counted in the
time period set of 17:00 to 18:00.

[0125] For example, as conceptually illustrated in FIG. 14, when the
target time is time C (17:30) in FIG. 14, the cumulative signal count
calculation module 6034 sums up the number of signals counted between
time A (17:00) and time B (18:00).

[0126] FIG. 15 illustrates a concrete example. FIG. 15, in sectors whose
sector identifier is "1", for one hour from 17:00:00 to 18:00:00,
illustrates an example of the number of signals counted at 3-minute
intervals. This example indicates that, for example, the number of
signals counted between 17:00:00 and 17:03:00 is 10.

[0127] In the case of this example, the cumulative count calculation
module 6034 calculates 282 as the cumulative number of signals by summing
up all the number of signals indicated in FIG. 15.

[0129] In the present embodiment, the cumulative signal count calculation
module 6034 sets a time frame having a time period that is the same as a
counting interval for the number of registrations with a target time set
as a center time, and calculates the cumulative number of signal by
summing up the number of signals counted by the signal-counting module
304 in the time frame thus set. However, it does not need to be limited
to this method.

[0130] Referring back to FIG. 11, the weight calculation module 6031b is a
component that calculates a weight based on the number of the target time
registration and the cumulative number of signals.

[0131] More specifically, the weight calculation module 6031b inputs the
number of target time registration by location registration areas from
the target time registration count calculation module 6033, and inputs
the cumulative number of signals by sectors from the cumulative signal
count calculation module 6034.

[0132] The weight calculation module 6031b, with respect to the cumulative
number of signals by sectors input from the cumulative signal count
calculation module 6034, by adding up the cumulative number of signals
for sectors that belong to the same location registration signal,
calculates the total number of signals for each location registration
area.

[0133] The weight calculation module 6031b, by dividing each of the number
of target time registration input from the target time registration count
calculation module 6033 by the total number of signals calculated for the
corresponding location registration area, calculates a weight for each
location registration area.

[0134] The operation module 6032b is a component that, by multiplying the
cumulative number of signals for each sector that the cumulative signal
count calculation module 6034 calculates by the weight for the location
registration area that the sectors constitute out of weights by location
registration areas that the weight calculation module 6031b calculates,
calculates population distribution for each sector.

[0135] [Flow of Process Performed in Communication System 10b]

[0136] With reference to FIGS. 17 and 18, a flow of processes in the
communication system 10b will be described hereinafter.

[0137] With respect to steps S101 to S105 in FIG. 17, processes are the
same as those described in the above-mentioned first embodiment, and thus
their explanations are omitted here.

[0138] The storage module 403b of the exchange 400 stores therein, in
addition to the number of registrations that the location registration
signal processing module 404 counts and the number of signals, a
registration counting time that is a time when the location registration
signal processing module 404 counted the number of registrations in
association with the number of the registrations. The number of
registrations, the number of signals, and the registration counting time
thus stored are transmitted to the management center 500 via the exchange
communication controller 401b at certain intervals or in response to
requests from the management center 500 (step S106b).

[0139] The target time input module 605 accepts input of a target time
that is a time intended at which the population distribution calculation
module 603b calculates population distribution (step S301).

[0140] The population distribution calculation module 603b inputs the
number of signals that the signal-counting module 304 of the RNC 300
counted from the retention module 602, and calculates population
distribution for each sector based on the number of signals thus input
(step S107b). A process at step S107b will be described in detail later.

[0141] Step S108 in FIG. 17 is the same as step S108 described in the
above-mentioned first embodiment, and thus the explanation is omitted
here.

[0142] Referring to FIG. 18, a calculation method for population
distribution based on the number of signals will be described below.
Processes depicted in FIG. 18 are detailed processes in the process at
step S107b in FIG. 17.

[0143] The target time registration count calculation module 6033, based
on the number of registrations counted just before the target time being
the time intended for calculating population distribution and the number
of registrations counted just after the target time, calculates the
number of a target time that is the number of mobile stations 100
registered in a location registration area at the target time (step
S401).

[0144] The cumulative signal count calculation module 6034 sets a time
frame having a time period that is the same as a counting interval for
the number of registrations with the target time set as a center time,
and calculates the cumulative number of signals by summing up the number
of signals counted by the signal-counting module 304 in the time frame
thus set (step S402).

[0145] The weight calculation module 6031b calculates a weight based on
the number of the target time registration and the cumulative number of
signals (step S403).

[0146] The operation module 6032b calculates population distribution by
multiplying the cumulative number of signals for each sector with the
weight for the corresponding location area (step S404).

[0147] [Function and Effect]

[0148] A function and an effect of the communication system 10b of the
present embodiment will be described hereinafter.

[0149] The exchange 400 of the communication system 10b of the present
embodiment further includes the storage module 403b that stores therein
the number of registrations in association with a registration counting
time that is a time when the number of registrations is counted. The
population distribution calculation module 603b of the information
analysis device 600 further includes the target time registration count
calculation module 6033 that, based on the number of registrations
counted just before a target time that is a time intended for calculating
population distribution and the number of registration counted just after
the target time, calculates the number of a target time that is the
number of mobile stations 100 registered in a location registration area
at the target time. The weight calculation module 6031b uses the number
of the target time registration that the target time registration count
calculation module 6033 calculates as the number of registrations.

[0150] Accordingly, even when the location registration signal processing
module 404 counts the number of registrations at given counting intervals
(for example, one-hour intervals) and the target time is set to a time
other than the registration counting time, for example, it is possible to
calculate the number of the target time registration based on the numbers
of registrations counted before and after the target time.

[0151] The population distribution calculation module 603b of the present
embodiment further includes the cumulative signal count calculation
module 6034 that sets a time frame having a time period that is the same
as a counting interval for the number of the registrations with the
target time set as a center time, and calculates the cumulative number of
signals by summing up the number of signals counted by the
signal-counting module 304 in the time frame thus set. The weight
calculation module 6031b uses the total number of signals obtained by
adding up cumulative number of signals in all sectors belonging to the
location registration area.

[0152] Accordingly, it is possible to moderate fluctuations in number of
signals due to short-term and accidental factors. In addition, because
the time period for the number of signals to be summed up is the same as
the counting interval for the number of registrations, it is possible to
absorb statistical errors, and also because the time period for the
number of signals to be summed up is not longer than necessary, there is
no possibility to waste resources to use for processes. Accordingly, it
is possible to achieve harmony with counting accuracy in number of
signals and processing costs.

Third Embodiment

[0153] FIG. 19 is a system structure diagram of a communication system 10a
according to a third embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated
in FIG. 19, this communication system 10a has a system structure for the
case of applying it to Long Term Evolution (LTE) that is a new
communication standard, and is configured to include mobile stations 100,
Evolution Node Bs (eNBs) 250, an exchanges 400, and a management center
500. The management center 500 is configured with social sensor units
501, peta-mining units 502, mobile demography units 503, and
visualization solution units 504. The eNBs 250 include both functions of
the BTSs 200 and the RNCs 300.

[0154] The third embodiment is a system structure for the case of applying
it to LTE and the contents of its specific processes are the same as
those of the above-mentioned first and second embodiments, and
accordingly its specific description is omitted. In the first and the
second embodiments, its protocol is Radio Access Network Application Part
(RANAP). In the third embodiment, S1 Application Protocol (S1AP) used for
LTE is used and, with respect to the Initial UE Message, the same signals
are used for S1AP.

[0155] In the first to the third embodiments, descriptions are made
assuming the third-generation cellular phone (3G) system, but these are
applicable to Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM).